By: Africa.com

Nigeria’s efforts to curb crude oil theft, which has intensified in recent months, has led to a 16.7% rise in oil production over the past year. According to the nation’s officials, Operation Delta Safe, led by commanders Jamal Abdussalam and Ali Idris, has shut down illegal refineries, seized millions of liters of stolen oil, and made several arrests. 

The operation, aided by new helicopters, aircraft, and surveillance technology, has bolstered security in oil-producing regions. The West African country loses millions of dollars to oil theft annually, with its Senate estimating that it lost $23 million daily in 2022 and $1.43 billion in March 2023 alone. With a production goal of 1.7 million barrels per day this year, authorities aim to build on recent successes and further reduce losses. However, challenges like difficult terrain and limited community engagement persist.